Meal Plan for week of Dec 25, 2011

Merry Christmas to all those celebrating this weekend!  It has been a great day at my house and the weather was gorgeous.  I am getting incredibly used to these 50+ degree Sunday long runs.  I'm not sure how long my luck will hold out but I'll take it while I can!  I just wanted to post a quick update and then get back to Holiday movie watching!
 

Here is the menu for this week:
Sunday: Pulled pork in the crockpot, scalloped potatoes and veggie / Tator Tot Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole this morning!
Monday: Brunswick Stew
Tuesday: Pulled Pork Tacos
Wednesday: LO
Thursday: Fish
Friday: LO
Saturday: LO

Feel free to ask for recipes! Until next time....  

Meal Plan for week of Dec 18, 2011

Hello blogosphere!  I hope everyone is ready for their respective holidays!  I have all my Christmas gifts bought and only one more that needs to arrive.  Now to wrap them all!

I just finished week 1 of training for my next half.  I think my whole body feels like a truck ran over it and then backed up and did it again.  :)  Finding motivation to run the first was easy.  This time around it seems really hard to motivate myself to run.  The thought of dark, cold and possibly rainy weather seems to dissuade me faster than heat and humidity.   I am sure it will get better once the rush of the holidays stops interfering.

I wish everyone a very Happy Holidays!  
 
Here is the menu for this week:
Sunday: Turkey burgers with homemade dill french fries
Monday: Lentil and Ham Soup
Tuesday: LO
Wednesday: LO
Thursday: Fish
Friday: LO
Saturday: LO

Feel free to ask for recipes! Until next time....  

Meal Plan for week of Dec 11, 2011

This is my 100th post!  Yay for blogging!  I am going to post the intended meals for the week but I am not entirely sure they are happening.  I am not at all prepared and didn't make it to the grocery store.  We may just use some things out of the freezer this week.  Our freezers are well stocked and I may be able to still pull these off just not on the scheduled nights!  It doesn't really matter as long as I feed the family, right? 

I am back to training for the next half marathon.  This time around the focus is more on nutrition and not the physical aspect of running a race.  I want to stick to making meals rather than eating out or just eating whatever crap is in the kitchen.  I know that I can physically finish the race so now I need to work on fueling myself with the proper nutrients.  This is going to be the hard part.  I also realize that I need to make sure I am strength training 3 days a week.  I can't solely run.  I am so glad that I have one race under my belt because it has helped me learn so much!  I am excited for the next 12 weeks! 

Here is the menu:
Sunday: LO
Monday: Red beans and rice in Crockpot  (This may become fish night)
Tuesday: Bourbon Chicken
Wednesday: LO
Thursday: Fish (This may become red beans and rice night)
Friday: LO
Saturday: LO

Feel free to ask for recipes! Until next time....  

Meal Plan for week of Dec 4, 2011

Sorry this is a bit delayed.  This has been a busy weekend.  I have been baking cookies like Mrs. Fields.  It's something I enjoy doing but it has been really difficult on the diet plan.  I'm not really too concerned about a few set backs at this time of year.  All I can do it keep moving forward.  I start training tomorrow for my next half-marathon in March,  Not entirely excited about running in the freezing cold.  I am really trying to psych myself up for it!  Starting next week, I am scaling back to only cooking 3 nights a week.  We had way too many leftovers last week and some food was wasted.  I think this week will still be okay but if not we can always axe the fish. 

Here is the menu:
Sunday: Butternut Squash Risotto (don't ask for this recipe.  It's only in my head)
Monday: Taco Soup in crock pot
Tuesday: Maple Pork Chops
Wednesday: LO
Thursday: Fish
Friday: LO
Saturday: LO

Feel free to ask for recipes! Until next time....

Meal Plan for Nov 27, 2011

Week 2 of being back on track with the meal planning. I hope that eveyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was great and it was nice to spend time with my family. I even ran a 5k this year just to earn my turkey! I had a PR of 31:42. That is freaking amazing for me. I must have really wanted to chow down. Lol.

Without further ado, the food:

Sunday: Tarragon Chicken Casserole (or leftover turkey)
Monday: Tortilla Soup (our favorite) crock pot
Tuesday: Autumn Sausage Casserole crock pot
Wednesday: LO
Thursday: Fish with mashed cauliflower
Friday: LO
Saturday: LO

Feel free to ask for recipes! Until next time....

Meal Plan for week of Nov 20, 2011

Greetings everyone-

I have been asked to post my meal plans.  As I posted in the past, I plan several months in advance because it makes my life easier.  I am going to try and publish each new week on Sunday evenings.  A few notes: I try to cook 4 days a week and have left overs for the rest of the week.  My crock pot is my best friend.  I do not eat beef.  I do try to eat healthy but never deny myself food but instead eat everything in moderation and this will only be the main course but keep in mind we usually have a veggie, salad and/or a starch of some kind to round out the meal.  Feel free to ask questions or to have me post a recipe for something that sounds good.  

Here we go....

Sunday:  White Bean Chicken Chili (It was amazing)
Monday:  Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings / Salad
Tuesday: Left overs  (LO)
Wednesday:  It's my birthday so we are going out!  
Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving 
Friday: Thanksgiving part 2 (we are making our own Turkey so we have LO)
Saturday: LO

This week is unusual because of the holiday and my birthday!  We are all going to have turkey and food galore.  It's next week when we are sick of turkey that meal planning will really be helpful, lol!  Happy Thanksgiving!   

   

Update

Wow, I really have been neglecting this little segment of my world.  I have been doing well.  My life has been a massive swirl of running, running and more running.  I finished my very first half-marathon back in October.  My time was 2:29 and that was better than I could ever have hoped for.  Training really does pay off!  It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to do the next one in March.   Rock-n-roll NOLA better watch out, lol!  I have been taking a little down time the last few weeks before gearing up for more training!  I love the fact that I can push this body to do more than I could ever dream.  Success isn't always measured in inches and pounds but in miles and sweat! 

I have been asked by friends to post my meal plans.  So I thought head to the blog and update.  This may be just the push I need to return to blogland.  Fingers crossed that I can keep up!  I've missed everyone!  

Week 5 - Long Run

I got up at 6:30am to run on Saturday morning thinking I could beat some of this insane heat.  Boy was I way off.  It was already like 90 degrees with 300% humidity.  I can't change the weather (believe me I've tried) so I set off armed with my new water bottle, inhaler and the least amount of clothing I could find in my exercise wardrobe!  The goal for today was to survive my first ever 90 minute run.  It went really well and I didn't die! I was completely drenched in sweat and could literally wring out my shorts.  I have never sweated that much in my life.  I couldn't find a dry spot on my clothes to wipe the sweat out of my eyes.  It was gross.   Tomorrow, I'll remember the towels!!  It felt great to accomplish 8.26 miles.  I am slowly becoming a real runner. 

My hip is doing well and holding up way better than I ever expected.  Hopefully, it holds together and doesn't get any bright ideas about ceding from the union!  Now the shoulder may be asked to leave the island but that is an entirely different issue and completely not running related.     

So my name is Brigitte...

Fail.  Apparently, I am not capable of posting once a week or even once a month.  I won't dwell on my inability to update.  How about I just fill you in on my life?

Life has been great!  Extremely busy but fabulous at the same time.  I haven't been focusing on my weight loss nearly as much as I should but I am still exercising and seeing my trainer and trying to eat right.  Ms. All-star and I celebrated one year of working out together back in June!  It's amazing how attached I have gotten to the pain-in-my-ass! I've grown a lot in the last year and push this body to all sorts of new heights.  

Speaking of new heights...I am training for my first half-marathon in October.  I signed up for the Rock-n-Roll St. Louis race.  It was time to really test my love for running.  Do I have it in me to accomplish this goal?  I've made it to week 5 of the training.  I amaze myself every time I set off to run.  My goal is to finish and not worry about time.  I want to run across the finish line and not crawl!  I am only running three days a week so that I can still train 2x, swim 2x and get a night off!  It's working out pretty well except all the runs keep getting longer, lol!  Today was a pace day but still an hour long session.  I knocked out 5.45 miles.  Pretty proud of my progress!  

I've been attending a running clinic hosted by the physical therapy department where I work.   They are helping me correct my stride and stance to alleviate pain on my hip.  It is really helping so far and this reminds me that I need to schedule a follow-up!  :)  It's weird to watch yourself run and then have someone critique it.  It really has been a huge help in my training and keeping me running with only minimal pain.  

I hope all of blogosphere is still well!  Until next time....

If I could run like a vampire.....

Hello blogosphere!  I have missed you all the last few months.  When I started this blogging endeavor I never realized just how difficult it would be to keep at it consistently.  I am going to try and rectify the situation by updating once a week.  I can do that, right?  

Nothing major has been going on.  I have been trying to stick with my diet and exercise routine.  As always, sometimes that is easier than other times!  I am horrible beyond words at tracking food.  I really suck at this.  It is an aspect of this journey that is never going to be easy for me.  Running, lifting weights, eating veggies are all way easier to do!  

I did register for my first half-marathon.  I am doing the Rock-n-Roll STL half in Oct!  I am nervous and scared but super excited to undertake this challenge.  I am going to begin training shortly.   I am sure you will all be sick of hearing about it before the actual race! 

As you've read in the past, I tend to be a bit injury prone.  I still am nursing a hip ailment and my knees aren't entirely reliable.  I am participating in a running clinic through the PT school.  I had my first session today.  The do all sorts of muscle strength testing and try to figure out what aggravates your injuries.  Then they watch you walk and run on a treadmill.  They videotape it so that you can see what you look like while moving.  It was fascinating to see the video.  I could see immediately just how out of line my right side is during both activities.   My hip is doing better and I figured now was a great time to diagnosis what mechanically is keeping me in pain.  I now have numerous exercises and homework assignments to do.  I have to consciously pay attention while walking.  It's going to be weird and painful.  The running realignment may actually be easier, lol!  I can't wait to see how it helps the hip! 

I am also nursing a shoulder injury that is slowly getting better.  I am at the point where I may have to see an ortho and explore more treatment options.  It has but a big damper on some of my training.  I am still swimming regularly which is incredibly painful afterwards but it helps loosen up the joint!  However, I am limited on most lifting activities.  I suppose if life wasn't a challenge it would be too easy!  

One foot in front of the other!  But it would be easier if i had warp speed running like vampires!  I imagine I would stay pain and injury free!!  

Pardon the interruption

It's been awhile.  {waves hello} 

I've been neglecting my blog.  Wanna know why?  Me too.  Although, I have a fairly good idea....

I went on vacation and had a blast.  A little too much of a blast.  I gained 20lbs of which thankfully 10 of it was water and disappeared quickly but the other 10 are hanging around waiting for me to do some work.  Yep, now comes the hard part.  The part that almost makes me regret eating biscuits and gravy every morning plus some unmentionable amounts of alcohol.  I say almost because I had a wonderful time and wouldn't change a thing.  It's the first real vacation I've had in a few years and I really, really needed it!  So I'll do the work and get back on track....except I haven't.  I seem to have left my motivation in Florida or on the plane.  I can't seem to get my act together.  My diet sucks and I feel like I am just going through the motions on my workouts.  I hate feeling like this and really need to snap the hell out of this funk.  Seriously.  Perhaps it will take baby steps to get me back on track.  I've dealt with plenty of detours in the past and I will survive this one too.  

It starts today.  I got plenty of sleep last night, I am tracking my food, I am blogging and we have group at the gym tonight!  It has been a pretty positive day.   Winning!

I survived both races.  The 10k in FL was a huge success because we finished it in 92 min despite all the injuries!  Although, I thought my shin and hip were going to cede from my body.  The following weekend we did a 5k and I managed to run the whole thing.  Not entirely sure of my time but 34min+ is my estimate.  Good news minimal pain!  So progress on the injury front.   I ran on both Sat and Sun this weekend, while the hip was sore it wasn't unbearable!  YAY!!  This can only help the motivation issue, right?  

My friend Ann and I after the 10k! 

Trainer Kate and I after the 5k!

One step at a time....

Gone Fishing

Well not really but I will be on vacation until next week!  I hope everyone has a lovely week and hits all sorts of major goals while I am gone to the sunny warmth of Florida!  I am off to watch some Spring Training games for my beloved St. Louis Cardinals and hangout with some friends!  I can't wait for spring and hopefully this puts me right into the mood!  Cheers!!

Falling apart piece by piece

I think my body is trying to tell me something.  And it isn't how incredibly hot I am.  

First my right hip was giving me some problems and it was just starting to feel better.  So being the smarty pants that I am I decided to test it out and ran (hard) on Saturday night.   That was a very bad idea and I felt something give.  I went to the Chiro and it's a hip flexor issue.  So I am trying to baby it and not run for now.  BUT I have a 10k next weekend that I would like to run some of and a 5k the weekend after that.  Now is not a good time to have injuries.  Yes, you read that right.  I think because my hip was throwing off my stride, I ended up with a shin splint on the right side.  I hate those more than the hip injury because shin splints hurt like a mutha focker!  Ice and Advil are my two best friends right now.  

I'm not letting this stop me.  There are still plenty of things that I can do and having to hold off on running for a few days won't kill me.  Plus, in one week I will be in warm, sunny Florida watching my STL Cardinals in Spring Training and all these injuries can bake in the sun.  It will truly be therapeutic.

Now if you excuse me, I am sure I have something to ice!   :)

MIA from Blogland

Wow, so I have been missing in action for a couple of weeks.  Although I don't always leave a comment, please know that I am keeping up with your lives!  I try to read updates every few days.  I just haven't felt like posting.  Nothing truly exceptional has been going on and it is really hard to blog about trivial everyday matters.  Life has been going along status quo and really busy! 

I did indeed make it to Florida for the work meeting.  It was a short trip but really helped to rejuvenate the soul.  My coworker and I managed to run outside both nights.  It was wonderful to be outside running again.  The treadmill just doesn't cut it.  But when you can't run in the cold, nasty weather you learn to live with it.  However, it made the first gym run really difficult!  I wish I could say that I watched what I ate and was sensible at the meeting.  I was to an extent but the desserts and wine did me in.  Ugh, but I rationalize by knowing that I never eat like this at home and sometimes a little splurge is a good thing.  Maybe that is more denial than rational....

So besides the not blogging, I have been doing really well on my new year's resolutions.  I am going to bed earlier and getting to work at a more reasonable time.  I am trying to track my food and most days are a success.  I find when I have to figure out a recipes nutritional information that I get really lazy.  That is always when I drop the ball.  I can't let that deter me and need to just do it.  I try to find recipes that already calculate the NI but sometimes a girl just wants to make something from all these wonderful blogs or a site that doesn't figure out the NI ahead of time.  I need to stop being lazy about it.  

I have hit a plateau again on the weight loss but I am still losing inches.  I guess my body is redistributing the weight.  I am hoping into muscle!  I did buy size 12 capris for my vacation in a couple weeks.  They are a little snug but I am not worried because they feel so much better than the looser 14s.  I don't think I have ever worn a size 12.  Maybe in like the 4th grade....maybe.  I guess this is one of those time that the NSV is supposed to keep my spirits up but I am discouraged by the plateau.  I need to really watch what I'm eating because truthfully that is where the problem lies.  I can't give anymore physically and I am pretty sure that the gym peeps think I live there.  But knowing what I need to do and doing it are two completely different things.  It is always easier to watch the food going into my mouth than to take stock of what makes up that food.  Obviously, I still have food issues and no matter what I've managed to overcome they are still deeply rooted.  One day at a time and I will win the battle with my body!        
   

Snow = lazy

I was forced to stay home yesterday because we were supposed to get all this bad weather.  We got some sleet.  I was pissed because I had to use a vacation day.  I was also pissed because that meant I was a bum.  Sure, I shoveled a bit but for most of the day I did absolutely nothing.  It sucked how lazy I was and let's not forget how much food I ate.  Why is it when you are snowed in that one must eat for hibernation?  Yuck.  I was bored and I knew it.  Didn't change my actions though.  I am not happy with myself.

I am supposed to leave for a meeting in FL tomorrow.  I highly doubt that happens now.  My flight from STL goes through Chicago.  Yep, not a good sign.  When the travel agency booked it through Chi, I knew that I wouldn't actually go on this trip.  Apparently, I have a pretty smart gut.  I suppose I'll go home tonight and pack.  I haven't decided if I'll bother heading to the airport or not.  The flight is pretty early and that means getting up early to find out it status.  The last thing I want to do is sit in an airport all day waiting to see if my flight will leave.  Although, I would be getting paid to sit there....hmmm??

Anyway, I hope everyone is safe and warm.  If you had a snow day or about to have one, I hope you enjoy it!  

Spicy Sweet and Sour Pork

This recipe from Cooking Light has become a new staple in our house.  Being able to make and eat Chinese food at home is incredibly rewarding!  Not to mention cheaper both monetarily and calorically.  I do not make the coconut rice mostly because I usually just nuke some ready rice.  I am not certain if the calorie count includes the rice or not.  I have been going with not and adding in my rice.  

Enjoy! 

Being a girl sucks. Sometimes.

I went home sick today.  It sucks when the cramps are bad enough to cause nausea.  I haven't had them this bad in a really long time and really thought they were over.  Especially, since Aunt Flo has been a piece of cake since losing weight.  Maybe it was my body telling me that I needed a day off from everything.  I've spent it lying on the couch hanging out with my pup and the DVR.   The nausea is gone for the most part and the cramps have subsided. Hopefully, tomorrow is back to normal.  But being a girl still sucks sometimes.  Thank goodness for sick days and television! 

Stay tuned for some recipes that I have been slacking on sharing! 

Catching up!

Hello blog world!  I apologize for being MIA.  I have been really busy as of late and have not had proper time to sit down to blog.  I hope all of you are doing well!  We have been hit with a bunch of snow this week.  I love it but could do without all the cold.  Snow with 70 degrees would be great....I wonder if the Big Guy can work on that one.  I have spent the morning doing all sorts of cooking and baking!  It was snowing here and I missed out on all the Thursday snow day activities because of work.   It was so great to try out a bunch of recipes that I had been wanting to make!  Ribs are in the crockpot, tomato soup with mozzarella croutons for lunch, PB&J cookie bars for whenever (probably not diet friendly but I refuse to give up all treats) and protein bars!  I have been a busy bee! 

I have been doing pretty well staying on course the past week or so.  I weighed in on Wed at my normal time and was at 208.8!  That number seemed more realistic than the previous week!  I am still on course and really feel that the weight will take care of itself in the end.  The important thing is I am losing inches and feeling so much better.  Except for breathing...between the cold and a sinus congestion my asthma has been a little cranky.  I am taking my meds like I am supposed to and doing better this week.  Funny thing huh? 

The meal planning is going along smoothly.  The tracking is inconsistent but I am doing better than in the past.  Although, I've clearly slacked through this weekend.  I'll have to catch up later...yes, later!  

My exercise has been the most consistent part!  Sure there were days were I dreaded going but I made myself do it.  And I am always glad that I did!  I actually used the elliptical twice in the past week.  I have always despised them.  It wasn't as bad as I thought but they still aren't my first choice in equipment!  See you can teach an old dog new tricks!

I have completed 40.57 miles in the JanGTD challenge!  I think I might just hit that 50 miles yet, lol!! Woo hoo.  Another goal being met!  

Have  wonderful Sunday y'all and I will post some recipes later!     

Recipe -- Hawaiian Chicken Slow Cooker

Hawaiian Chicken
2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast
1 can pineapple chunks, drained
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 packed brown sugar
2 TBSP lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Cut the chicken into large bite-sized chunks.  Put everything into your crockpot and stir it around until everything is mixed up.  Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours.

Verdict:  I used frozen breast and couldn't chunk it.  I just placed the whole breast into the crockpot.  I felt their was not enough flavor to the chicken.  It was dry and that was probably do to not cutting it up.  However, for lunch today I shredded my breast and placed it and some of the fruit into a tortilla.  Served along with some peach salsa.  It was much better and juicier!  I think next time I'll cut it up and see if it helps.       

Recipe--Turkey Manicotti

I am a little behind putting up some recipe reviews.  I also need to be so much better with taking pictures.  I just don't think about it when there is food in front of me!  However, I think in the case of this recipe everyone knows what Manicotti looks like.  :)
 
Turkey Manicotti (from Taste of Home)

1-1/2 pounds ground turkey

1/4 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

14 manicotti shells, cooked and drained

1 jar spaghetti sauce

Note: I had some ricotta left over and I added it into the turkey mixture.

In a skillet, cook the turkey, onion, garlic, salt and pepper until meat is no longer pink and onion is tender; drain.  Stir in cheeses and mix well.  Spoon into manicotti shells.  Pour half of the spaghetti sauce into a greased 13 X 9 baking dish.  Arrange sauce over the sauce; top with the remaining sauce.  Cover and bake at 350 for 25-30 min or until heated through.  Serves: 6-8

Verdict:  I really liked it and ate it for lunch everyday!  The hardest part was stuffing the shells.  I've never made manicotti at home until now!  I can only get better at it, right?

This post is packed full of useless knowledge!

The gym FINALLY replaced a bunch of the treadmills!  There were a couple that if I could have lifted them, I would have dragged them to the curb myself.  I took one for  a whirl last night.  It has these automatic inclines that are gnarly.  My arms were killing me from having to hang on!  I also felt like I was walking on the roof (I'm 5'11).  But despite the freak out over height and the hanging on for dear life, I do like them.  It will just take some getting used to being able to walk at such an incline.   Somewhere, the old treadmills are hanging their belts in shame.  

In other great news, the scale has finally moved in the right direction.  I weighed and measured today with my trainer.  I weighed in at 206.6 pounds.  YAY!  Of course we did this at 7am instead of our usual 6pm so it was probably a timing issue.  But I will still take it!  I also lost inches or fractions of inches all over!  I love forward progression!  Plateaus stink.  They just cause undue stress.  It is nice to know that when you refocus and start with a fresh slate that your body jumps back into the game too!    

I am taking part in a 12 week challenge at Gold's Gym.  The first official weigh-in, measurements and pictures are on Friday.  I could do without the pictures.  The belly area is not a pretty site.  However, it is way better than it used to be!   This gives me something new to focus on and 3 months to make an even greater impact on my health and my goddess like physique (sarcasm folks, sarcasm). 

Chicken breasts stuffed with ricotta and goat cheese

Dinner from Thursday night.  I didn't take a picture and apologize up front!  

Stuffed Chicken Breasts (adapted from American Heart Association)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast  (I bought the thin sliced breast)
7 oz FF or reduced-fat Ricotta cheese
2 oz soft goat cheese (I used the one with chives on it and skipped buying the chives)
2 Tbsp fresh parsley or 2 tsp dried
1 Tbsp fresh chives or chopped green onion
Tomato sauce (there was an included recipe but I already had the ragu on hand)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray a casserole dish with spray.  In a small bowl mix all the stuffing ingredients.

If you didn't purchase thin sliced breasts, you will need to pound them thinner.  Place between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound out to a 1/4 inch thickness.  Note: mine were thicker and turned out well! 

Spoon a quarter of the stuffing mixture down the center of each breast.  Starting at the short end, roll up the breast jelly-roll style.  Place the breast in the prepared casserole dish with the seam side down.  Spoon sauce over the breasts.

Bake, covered for 40 to 45 mins or until chicken is no longer pink. 
236 cal, 5.5 fat, 81 chol, 7 carbs, 36 protein (sodium will vary with sauce used)

Verdict:  It was good and had good flavor.  I think I may need to play with the recipe and make some changes to it.  It is low cal and fat conscious.   

I'm Overweight!!

I am overweight!  I have been waiting to say those words for years!  I am thrilled with this new revelation.  Why am I so excited about being overweight?  Because I am no longer OBESE!  For the record, I am not a big fan of the BMI Scale.   It is a mathematical calculation that doesn't take in to consideration fat vs muscle or your overall fitness.  Now having said that, it is the freaking gold standard and everyone wants to know where they stand on a medically accepted scale.  I started this journey at 323 pounds with a BMI = 45.  Forty-freakin-five....really?  Dude, I was fat.  I weighed in on Wednesday (for the first time in 2 weeks) at 210.8 pounds with a BMI = 29.4!  

I will always be overweight (according to the BMI) because even at my goal weight I will be just over the suggested weight for my height.  I don't care.  I have to be happy with my body and more importantly be able to maintain the weight.  I want to be comfortable and healthy!  So this is where the BMI scale and I disagree but you know what I think I'll win!  

I haven't been this close to 200 pounds since the 6th or maybe 7th grade.  I am pretty sure that after my father died it went up dramatically.  I know that I weigh much less than high school because I still had my prom dress hanging in the basement.  It was a size 22 and was huge on me! I can officially say I look better than I did in high school and not many people can say that!!  

I am doing the JanGTD challenge and pledge to do 50 miles on the treadmill and 50 strength circuits this month!  So far I've done 7 miles and 7 circuits!  So I will keep everyone posted!  

I need to take my Christmas trees down.  I usually wait until MLK weekend but I am going to try and get them down this weekend!  It's a goal at least (sadly harder than any at the gym). LOL

Crockpot Tangy Pork Chop

First new recipe of the year!  It was yummy.  This was the first time I've done chops in the crockpot.  It turned out well.   I really love my crockpot and it makes cooking so easy!! 

Tangy Pork Chops  (from the Taste of Home Cookbook)
4 pork chops 
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 medium onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large green pepper, sliced
1 can stewed tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1/2 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp cider vinegar
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 chicken bouillon cube
2 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp water
Cooked rice

Place chops in  a slow cooker; sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.  Add onion, celery, green pepper and tomatoes.  Combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and bouillon; pour over vegetables.  Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours [or on High 2-3].  Mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into liquid in slow cooker.  Cover and cook on high for 30 min or until thickened.  Serve over rice.  
Yield: 4 servings
227 cal, 37 chol, 34 carbs, 16 protein, 4 fat

Happy New Year and welcome 2011!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season.  Mine was great and I am truly blessed!  But it is time to put 2010 behind me and move forward to make 2011 a great year.  

2010 was filled with ups and downs.  I am so proud to have restarted my weight loss journey. I've accomplished goals that seemed impossible before.  Heck, I ran a 10k.  That was an awesome accomplishment!   But the last couple of months have been stressful and I didn't allow myself to focus on the prize.  I was distracted and at times physically not up to the task.  I haven't been blogging.  I haven't had much to really write about because I felt like I've only been going through the motions of life not really invested in the outcomes.  

Thankfully today begins a brand new slate.  I've never been big on making resolutions.  It seems silly to make all these wild assumptions on January 1st only to know you'll break most of them before dinner.  However, this year I am making a few.  They aren't wildly crazy just things that I need to focus on for my overall success. 

1. Get to work earlier.  It would be better for my overall happiness...I hope.  
2. Get more sleep which mostly entails going to bed earlier.  
3. Recommit to my goals and focus on the items that lead to success.  I need to track my food, continue meal planning, blog, set mini-goals, etc.  

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings and more importantly what I chose to do to further my journey.   I still don't intend to blog everyday.  But I am going to try and be better at stopping by and reading!  Here's to a wonderful new year full of successes!  

New Year's eve picture!  I am incredibly proud of my success last year!